video screenshot

 

Thieves executed a bold seven-minute heist on Sunday, stealing "priceless" jewellery from the Louvre in Paris, according to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The robbers broke into the prestigious museum's Apollo Gallery using an external freight elevator attached to a truck. The stolen artefacts include tiaras and necklaces that were once worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.

 

The Apollo Gallery, renowned for housing the French Crown Jewels, became the target of the theft when the culprits pried open a window with an angle grinder. Three to four suspects reportedly capitalised on the opportunity, focusing on two high-security display cases. While the French Culture Ministry confirmed the theft, it revealed that eight precious items were taken, including a significant portion of Empress Eugénie's jewellery.

 

In a stroke of fortune, one of the stolen pieces, the crown of Empress Eugénie, surfaced near the Louvre. French TV station TF1 and Le Parisien reported the crown, adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found damaged but intact. The thieves abandoned it, likely due to a security officer thwarting their attempt to set the getaway truck alight.

 

President Emmanuel Macron of France expressed his determination to apprehend the suspects, tweeting that he was making every effort to retrieve the heritage treasures. The sentiment underscores the immeasurable historical value the items hold, despite their market worth.

 

An investigation is ongoing, classified as "aggravated theft by an organised gang and criminal conspiracy" under Paris police jurisdiction. The robbers made a swift escape on motorcycles after reportedly scouting the location well in advance. Evidence suggests the usage of angle grinders, a blowtorch, and disguises in the heist.

 

Video footage depicts French police examining an abandoned furniture elevator positioned at the Louvre, connecting to a shattered window. Police retrieved tools, disguises, and other items linked to the crime. The Louvre's swift evacuation ensured no injuries were reported and helped secure the crime scene for evidence collection.

 

Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery occurred just after the museum's opening. She remained at the location to support museum staff and police efforts, ensuring no visitors suffered harm.

 

In response to the heist, the Louvre closed its doors for the day, citing "exceptional reasons" to secure the investigation site. Paris's Mayor of the Centre, Ariel Weil, noted that such a meticulously planned theft is unprecedented in recent history, comparing the incident to the infamous Mona Lisa theft in 1911.

 

The museum, a cultural beacon, attracted 8.7 million visitors last year, with US tourists comprising a significant portion. Sunday’s events have raised alarms around the security of globally revered institutions, highlighting vulnerabilities despite modern safeguards.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thieves executed a seven-minute heist at the Louvre, stealing "priceless" jewels.
• The stolen goods include items from Queen Marie-Amélie and Empress Eugénie’s collections.
• French authorities are actively investigating; one damaged piece has been recovered.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-10-20

 

 

Hope they are caught jailed and the pieces recovered…..and louvre up your security for crying out loud ya got egg on your face big time!

Did Putin send in the thieves?

The sad part is that the pieces are too hot to sell intact so they will be broken down for the jewels. There is likely a record of the jewels so even they may be too hot to sell. IOW, it was a great heist that generated no money.

5 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

The sad part is that the pieces are too hot to sell intact so they will be broken down for the jewels. There is likely a record of the jewels so even they may be too hot to sell. IOW, it was a great heist that generated no money.

 

Did you consider it may have been an ordered heist by a filthy rich collector?

Reminds me of a very old TV series called “Simon Temple”, (Roger Moore), who was the “dashing” jewel thief stealing from museums, rich ladies etc.  
Sort of horrible but refreshing news, no one killed, no terrorists, plain old fashioned thieves with some brains.  Obviously I don’t condone the theft, but somehow couldn’t stop a little laugh.  Let’s see now if Inspector Clouseau is smart enough to bag the thieves 😂

 

My money is on Lupin.....he did this in the very first episode so he knows what he's doing.

30 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

My money is on Lupin.....he did this in the very first episode so he knows what he's doing.

😂😂😂